So this year, you’ve decided to forego each and every lame college Halloween party and throw your own bash. Kudos! Whether you’re a party planning novice or known around campus as the soiree guru, there are a few extra steps you MUST take for Halloween.

These Halloween party ideas and tips are sure to keep you and your guests festive until the wee hours of the morning — that is, if you want them invading your space for that long!

1. Get into the Halloween spirit

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Make it simple for guests to come up with unique apparel. For a non-scary night, have an around the world theme where guests can dress up as famous movie characters from around the world. For a frightfully good time, have guests dress as their favorite horror movie villains—and suggest they stay in character all night. Encourage couple and group costumes as well by offering prizes (like a $5.00 gift certificate to the local pizza joint) for best solo, best couple and best group attire!

2. Lights out!

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Lit jack-o-lanterns and eerie illuminations are a must for a Halloween bash. However, take some tips from Shelly Marie’s October 25, 2011, article posted to College Lifestyles, “CL’s Halloween Safety Tips,” and blow out the candles whenever they might be unattended. You can also avoid candle hazards entirely and use battery operated candles like flameless tea lights to illuminate the festivities. Trust me, you really don’t want to be the person who burns down the dorm or apartment.

3. 21 and over, please

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It may seem like a downer at first, but if you’re serving alcohol, you must either appoint a friend or hire someone to act as the 21 and over police. Have this person stand near the entrance, ID attendees and stamp the hands of all guests under the legal drinking age. This is for your own protection in case the police decide to crash your bash. Minors will get a drinking ticket and you’ll get one as well for serving.

4. Beat of a different drum

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This is Halloween, so make sure your playlist is filled with eerie music and scary songs to keep your guests chilled all night long. From must-have hits like “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters” to eerie noises that make people jump, keep the party hoppin with the right sounds!

5. Alert! Alert!

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Regardless of whether you live in a dorm or an apartment, you have neighbors — and they WILL hear your party. So take action before they do. Or go ahead and invite them – they might be offended if you don’t!

6. Food and drink and candy, oh my!

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Don’t leave your guests wanting anything or you might just find them heading to another shindig. Real Simple’s “Party Planning Made Easy” offers a checklist of must-haves to ensure everyone is still talking about your bash until spring.

7. Décor-um

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You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on decorations, but you do need a few staples like black and orange cups, plates and napkins. Pumpkins, too, are a must. Go all out with fog and black lights to take your party to the next level!

8. Keep out!

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Remember to block off areas of your room or apartment that you don’t want people to venture into. You can put a table in front of the door to your bedroom or spring for an animated werewolf that makes noise anytime someone goes near the laundry room.

Do you have any Halloween party do’s or don’ts? We’d love for you to share them!